[MLS] Vancouver has signed Frenchman Eric Hassli as its first Designated Player. The 6-foot-4 striker, who has spent most of his career in Switzerland, may be the most obscure DP signing in MLS history.

Hassli, 29, has spent time with Neuchatel Xamax, Servette, St. Gallen and most recently FC Zurich. He scored 50 goals in 155 games and helped FC Zurich win the 2009 Swiss league title.

Hassli said he was leaving Switzerland "with a heavy heart." He was granted a free transfer by the club
. He had two goals and three assists in 15 games in the first half of the 2010-11 Super League.

He has also played in France (Metz and Valenciennes) and England (Southampton).

The Caps have also signed another FC Zurich player, Swiss-Canadian defender Alain Rochat. Another Swiss player, playmaker Davide Chiumento, played for Vancouver in the 2010 USSF D-2 Pro League and has been in camp but is yet unsigned for the MLS season.